THE views are absolutely spectacular . . . but weren't they always?

The lay-out is magnificent . . . but wasn't it always?

So $14 million later, exactly what's changed at Port Royal Golf Course?

Well, there's two new holes, more and much larger water hazards, fewer trees but more bunkers – the new ones strategically placed to make the course even more difficult – redesigned and much-improved tee boxes, lush fairways and rough that will penalise but at the same time be considered fair.

The cart paths are wider with edging that gives the course a classier look and then there's the old clubhouse with a new coat of paint with interior changes yet to be completed.

And on top of all of that, there's an irrigation system that should ensure the course can survive long periods of drought.

But Port Royal, in its 40 years existence, has never been dull – and justifying its remake over the last couple of years, that's exactly what Premier Dr. Ewart Brown called it during his speech at the official re-opening this week.

Dr. Brown has a right to be proud of the facility from almost every perspective.

But he might not recall that back in the 1970s it was hailed as the best public course in the world, long before he made that same assessment this week.

When Robert Trent Jones pulled out his drawing board in the late 1960s, he came up with an exceptional design and built a course that immediately caught the attention of golfers and golf writers around the globe. It was as spectacular then as it is now.

What caused its gradual demise was a lack of funding and poor maintenance, despite the fact that it was packed amost every day, turning away visitors and locals alike, unable to offer sufficient tee times.

If the $14 million is to be considered money well spent, then a whole lot more cash will have to be invested in the years to come to ensure that the pristine condition we see now is maintained.

That, undoubtedly, is the biggest challenge Port Royal faces.

And if they achieve that goal, then fine.

But it won't undo the remarks of Dr. Brown who sidestepped the contributions of Trent Jones and those workers who over the years have attempted to keep the course in the same condition as it was when first opened without proper Government support, and implied that it was he who is making the course that we see today.

He told his audience on Tuesday night: "One of the criticisms from golf visitors (in the past) was that our courses were dull.

"When I first became Tourism Minister I can't tell you how many times I heard that awful word.

"But now, have them stand on the eighth green lining up a putt against a canvas of turquoise blue ocean. The word dull doesn't come to mind.

"When I look out toward the Atlantic Ocean I see what is, without a doubt, one of the best public golf courses in the world . . . and it belongs to all of us. That is something truly worth celebrating."

Perhaps Dr. Brown had never stood on the eighth green before but I and many others would tell him that the stunning view across the turquoise blue ocean has always been there. Nothing has changed. And for that we can thank Trent Jones not our current Premier.

While he failed to mention the original architect, his comments will no doubt have offended those at Mid Ocean Club, Tucker's Point and Belmont Hills, who won't consider their courses 'dull' and have seen millions of dollars spent to keep them in near perfect condition.

Was Mid Ocean considered 'dull' when it hosted the Grand Slam last year? Apparently not, judging by the TV commentators who were falling over themselves in an attempt to describe the scenery and the exceptional condition of the course.

Yes, the renovation of Port Royal is a magnificent achievement – even though as the Island's only 18-hole public course its green fees might prohibit the ordinary working man or ambitious youngster from playing golf – but let's not forget the other courses which will help towards the effort to make Bermuda a viable golf destination.

And that goal will only be achieved if Port Royal is properly maintained.

* * * *

EWART Brown's press secretary Glenn Jones took the opportunity this week to address the Rotary Club to spew out some wildly misleading 'facts' about the media, this newspaper in particular.

The next day he was listed as a player in his boss's Opening Tournament at Port Royal. Hopefully, his tee shots were a darn sight more accurate than the drivel contained in his Rotary speech.

He labelled expat reporters as biased.

Isn't that rich coming from someone who works for a Government who show so much bias in awarding contracts? And isn't Port Royal a perfect example of that bias.

* * * *

ASKED for his response following last Friday night's Eastern Counties meeting which ensured the following day's match between St. David's and Cleveland County would go ahead, Works Minister Derrick Burgess – a self-confessed cricket addict – trotted out what has become a rather tiresome reply from certain Cabinet members: "I don't talk to The Royal Gazette."

That's fine Mr. Burgess, but our reporters will continue to ask questions aimed at someone who was elected as a public servant and will leave it with your conscience whether you choose to respond or not.

Isn't it amazing that whenever Government ministers feel their ministry has achieved something of which they're proud and feel the public should know about, their first plan of action is to call a press conference and make sure The Gazette is on top of their invitation list. They can't wait to talk our reporters.

Outside those rare ministerial accomplishments, when asked for a simple reply to a simple question on anything vaguely controversial they use the old 'no comment' or avoid-the-media-at-any-cost ploy.

It's the kind of hypocrisy we've come to expect.

– ADRIAN ROBSON